In Portsmouth, the nearly three-decade tradition kicked off in Market Square. While the past three years were unseasonably mild, a winter chill was expected to send temperatures into the 20s.

While the cold meant revelers had to dress in layers, one advantage was that the ice sculpture that is an iconic part of the event is in no danger of melting. People gathered early to snap pictures of this year's frozen creation, which depicts a wizard ushering in the year 2013.

One button gets celebrants into a number of locations, most of them in the downtown area. The button costs $25 for adults and $2 for children.

"We're in eight different venues throughout the city," said Barbara Massar, executive director of ProPortsmouth. "Most everything is walking distance, but we do have a shuttle bus starting in Market Square and taking people all over. It drops off and picks up at every venue."

The New Hampshire Astronomical Society was back by popular demand, setting up a telescope for stargazing. Celebrations included a dance party and fireworks.

In Wolfeboro, an annual parade featured large papier-mâché puppets. Fireworks were launched after the parade, with a second show at midnight.

Hillary Clinton did not have a State Department email account while she served as America's top diplomat, a senior state department official said Monday, and instead used a personal email account during her four years on the job.